Expert: Bill Finck Jr. - 3/24/2008

Question
I recently seasoned my new humidor and it maintained 70% for a couple days even after placing approx 30 cigars in it. I have noticed that the humidity level is now down to 65% and the only change is that I added about a dozen cigars. Cut the drop in humidity be the fact that the latest additions be a little dry and have soaked in the humidity. If so what suggestions do you have to solve the problem?

Answer
Chris,

Dry cigars will definitely reduce the humidity level until they gain humidity, so they problem may correct itself.

Secondly, when you seasoned the humidor you added a lot of moisture to it, and it is not unusual for the level to drop after several days as this excess water evaporates. Remember that humidity is relative to temperature. If your temperature is 70 degrees, you want 70% relative humidity. If your temperature is 74 degrees, your ideal RH is 66%. Unless your humidor is stored in a very cool place, your RH may be just right at 65%.

Hope this helps - if you see the cigars start to dry out let me know and I'll help you figure out the problem.

Bill